RV Life Article - Polishing A Gem

RV Life article in their September 2009 issue.

Emerald Desert RV Resort has always been one of the nation’s premier recreational vehicle destinations.

But as Sunland RV Resorts completes the first phase of a three-year, multimillion-dollar improvement plan on its newly acquired 251-site property, Emerald Desert RV Resort is already starting to convey the look and feel of a five-star hotel.

Its newly designed 1,200-square foot lobby features a floor mosaic comprised of tumbled marble, two shades of travertine and Vitoria Regia granite, while its custom-designed reception desk incorporates Sepelle wood veneer with a rich walnut finish and inlayed marble. Other furnishings include bronze finished light sconces, Raphia upholstered wall panels and rich-toned rattan seating groups.

“When people come into Emerald Desert RV Resort, they will feel more like they are coming into a high-end hotel than an RV resort,” said Debra Elliott, a principal of San Diego-based ID Studios Inc., who was tapped by Sunland to oversee the multimillion-dollar redesign effort.

“I think this whole property is going to be amazing,” Elliott continued, adding, “It’s really being designed to make guests feel as if they’re coming into a warm, elegant place.”

“We are committed to elevating Emerald Desert to become one of the finest recreational vehicle resorts in the country, with unparalleled amenities and the highest quality guest services,” said Reza Paydar, president and CEO of La Jolla, Calif.-based Sunland RV Resorts, which acquired Emerald Desert RV Resort in June.

Sunland, in fact, has already invested more than $1 million in improvements this summer in an effort to provide a new level of elegance for snowbirds who arrive at the resort this fall.

Other improvements include cosmetic upgrades for the pool area and fitness center. New, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and new laundry equipment is also being installed along with new furnishings throughout the park.

Additional improvements planned for 2010 and 2011 include new decorations and furnishings for the resort’s clubhouse and ballroom as well as construction of a pet park and grooming center, a theatre and restaurant and a motorhome washing and detailing facility.

Emerald Desert RV Resort already has many substantial amenities, Paydar said, including an indoor and outdoor spa, two onsite putting greens, very large clubhouse and ballroom, which can be divided into smaller rooms for conferences and private parties as well as a secure, temperature-controlled motorhome storage facility. The resort also has nine, 1,600 to 2,000 square foot villas, which can be rented on a daily or monthly basis.

“We’ve been eyeing this property for years,” Paydar said, adding that Emerald Desert nicely complements Sunland’s other Southern California resort properties.

Based in La Jolla, Calif., Sunland RV Resorts is one of the largest RV resort chains in California. It continues to seek out other resorts for acquisition purposes. Sunland’s current holdings include Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert, Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, Escondido RV Resort in Escondido as well as several properties along the Interstate 8 corridor that are ideally located to accommodate travelers going back and forth between San Diego and Arizona. These properties include San Diego RV Resort in La Mesa and Oak Creek RV Resort, Circle RV Resort, and Vacationer RV Resort in El Cajon.

For more information about Sunland RV Resorts, its improvement plans for Emerald Desert RV Resort and other Sunland properties or commentary regarding the latest RV travel trends, please contact Reza Paydar at (858) 456-9201. Information about the resorts is also available online at www.sunlandrvresorts.com.